Parvo Questions

I am fostering a litter of three 12 week old terrier mixes. The smallest tested positive for Parvo on Tues.  I have had the puppies for 2 1/2 weeks, could he have already been infected, or did he pick it up after in my care? How long could his littermates be symptom free before showing signs? At what point could we safely adopt out his littermates if they have no symptoms? If he survives, how long will he be contagious?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

I can't really tell you definitively if the puppies came to you contaminated or if there may have been some in your environment.  Parvo is very ubiquitous and resistant in the environment.  It can literally last for years outside and for months inside.  

It can take just one week or less from contamination to disease.  The disease is shed in feces or vomit, and the infected animal can continue to shed for 2 and 1/2 week.  Therefore,you should probably wait approximately one month to safely adopt out the littermates.

You will have to clean all premises with a dilute bleach solution to remove it from your house and environment.